Mark Robins’ goal kicked off an era of dominance for United. Now, as Coventry manager, he is planning to deepen their misery in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final. The 54-year-old scored a goal in the third round against Nottingham Forest in 1990, a goal that went on to become a turning point in United’s history and is widely credited with saving Alex Ferguson’s career rice bowl. Robins also scored the winner in the semi-final against Oldham as United went on to lift the trophy, the first under Ferguson, who saw United last win the Premier League in 2013 .

The former striker came through the youth ranks at Old Trafford and made just 61 appearances for United, but he holds a special place in the hearts of the club’s fans.

Now he has another chance to impact United’s history, putting pressure on Erik ten Hag, who has struggled in his second season in charge.

Despite their woes, United remain favorites to advance to the final against either Manchester City or Chelsea at Wembley, but the outcome is far from a foregone conclusion.

Since a dramatic 4-3 win over Liverpool in the quarter-finals, United have failed to win in their past four games, with their Champions League hopes next season all but dashed.

The good news for Ten Hagues is that 1997 FA Cup winners Coventry have struggled in recent weeks, losing three of their last four games and falling behind in the race for the Championship play-offs.

But Coventry will almost certainly get their chances against a United side that misses plenty of chances, with in-form forwards Ellis Simms and Hadji Wright posing a goal threat.

“Top player”

Robins believes United’s problems are exaggerated and they remain “the biggest club in the world”.

“People, pundits, are talking in a derisive way about Manchester United and what they are doing and how they are performing,” he said.

“For those who talk about Manchester United, they are one way or the other or they concede a lot of goals – you are talking about a team full of talented players, top international players.

“We knew they were the clear favorites to win this game, a million miles ahead, simple as that.”

Coventry are seeking to become the first second-tier club to reach the final since Cardiff City in 2008.

Robins has impressed since returning for a second time in 2017, guiding the club from the fourth tier to the brink of the Premier League last season – where they lost on penalties to Luton Town in the Championship play-off final.

This success comes against a turbulent backdrop for the club, which was effectively homeless for years and until 2021 shared facilities with Birmingham City.

They have already beaten Premier League side Wolves on the way to Wembley, with Ten Hag pointing out that they could easily become a top-flight side themselves.

“We know the manager, a former Manchester United player, a striker, he’s been there for a long time and he’s done a fantastic job there,” he said. “So, we know a lot about them.

“Of course they are dangerous, they are in the semi-finals. It’s logical.

“Last season they were a long way (narrow) away from promotion to the Premier League. So they did really well there.

“We’ve seen it against Wolves, in the quarter-finals, and the mentality of the team is fantastic, so we have to be at our best.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)